Oncological Emergencies: Recognize and Respond

Oncological Emergencies: Recognize and Respond is organized by Nursing CE Central.

Course Created on: July 07, 2021
Course Expires on: July 07, 2024

Target Audience:
• Registered Nurses (RN)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)

Course Overview:
Oncology patients can present significant challenges for both healthcare providers and caregivers. Modern-day chemotherapies may cause potentially life-threatening oncological emergencies. Nurses working with oncology patients must recognize signs and symptoms of such emergencies and be knowledgeable in treatment therapies aimed at reducing these risks (1). 

Course Outline:
• Overview of Oncological Emergencies 
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome
• Febrile Neutropenia
• Superior Vena Cava Syndrome 
• Malignant Pericardial Effusion 
• Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone 
• Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation 
• Hypercalcemia of Malignancy 
• Extravasation of Chemotherapy 
• Infusion Reactions (Hypersensitivity and Anaphylactic) 
• Case Study  
• Information on Oncology Nursing Society and Oncology Nursing Certification 
• References 

Course Objectives:
After completing this course, the learner will be able to:
• Discuss risk factors for oncology emergencies in certain patient populations (cancer-specific). 
• Verbalize the pathophysiology and etiology behind various oncological emergencies. 
• Identify clinical signs and symptoms of the most common oncology emergencies. 
• Outline nursing interventions associated with neutropenia precautions. 
• Identify nursing guidelines for the administration of IV chemotherapy. 
• Discuss patient education regarding prevention of oncology emergencies (early symptom recognition). 
• Verbalize critical differences between hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis. 
• Describe the oncology nurse’s role in promoting compassionate end-of-life care and the correct treatment for the (advanced stage) oncology patient.